LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
Local junior Tom Duffy is reportedly facing an uncertain future with the North Queensland Cowboys.
According to zerotackle.com, Duffy, a promising young halfback, has struggled to make an impact at the first-grade level under coach Todd Payten, primarily playing in the Queensland Cup.
He was promoted to the club's Top 30 in 2024 and made his NRL debut in Round 1 this year but only participated in two matches, registering one try assist before being replaced by Jake Clifford in the starting lineup.
Duffy's situation has worsened as the team's dynamics shift.
With Clifford recently dropped, utility player Jaxon Purdue has stepped into the five-eighth position, and co-captain Tom Dearden has moved to the halfback role.
Duffy's diminishing chances of breaking into the starting 17 raise questions about his future with the club, especially given that he was considered a potential long-term halfback option.